There were a lot of busy builders at the Cedar Springs Public Library last Saturday.

At least 46 gingerbread houses were built and decorated by kids at the annual event. Library staff person Rosann Gerhardt and volunteers Judy Wiersma, Barbara Slyus and Helen Walters framed in the houses and glued them together with frosting. Rosann and Judy guided 3 sessions of children through the “Gingerbread Process” with fantastic results. After vacuuming up the sprinkles and smashed Fruit Loops, Director Donna Clark shared, “It was well worth the effort to see so many delighted children proudly take home their holiday house. One mother commented that her children look forward to this event every year.”

Local children’s author Shirley Neff was unable to come in person to sell her book, “The Reluctant Swan,” but sent her friend Jo Furhoff, in her place. Jo worked alongside Shirley through the writing and publishing process. Shirley’s book is a true story based on a swan who didn’t want to leave his fun summer pond at White Creek Mobile Estates. You will want to buy the book for the local discounted price of only $10 to find out if he ever left. Autographed copies are available at the Cedar Springs Library. Hurry to get the best Christmas gift around—a book—a gift you can open over and over again!